Brazilian rival Magnesita launches £1.4bn takeover bid for British molten metal specialist Vesuvius

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026.

Vesuvius, the London-listed molten metal specialist, has confirmed a £1.4bn takeover approach from Brazilian rival Magnesita, sending its shares rising. The bid is the latest in a string of foreign buyouts of UK-listed firms, raising fresh questions about the erosion of British industry.

Vesuvius specialises in materials used in molten metal processing, making it a strategically significant acquisition target.

The approach adds to mounting City concern about the pace at which British companies are being snapped up by overseas buyers.